[SportsandRec] Next on the bike is my man Hank

[Ron Burzese]

Remember that song by the Sugar Hill Gang? It is called Rappers Delight, from the late 70s/early 80s. It was back when hip hop was fun and well written.

For some time, my experience has been that most anyone in average shape can captain a tandem bicycle. Two days ago, I was once again reminded of this claim. Of course, it’s important that the stoker is experienced. I often say that if one person on the tandem is experienced, then the other rider will settle in and become comfortable, sooner.

I met Hank at our new church. We are new to the area, so this has been a great place to find new friends in the neighborhood. Since we have no family nearby, this has been a proven way to find it, locally.

Hank and Jason teamed up to start distributing bicycles to the homeless community. They already have about eight of them. We hung out together last Friday and prepped four of them to go back into service. Hank watched me tune them up with interest. While there, I showed him some of the basics of bike fit. I believe this is the reason most Americans don’t ride bicycles, once they acquire their drivers licenses.

Jason has been homeless for many years and also has a lot of experience with cycling for transportation. He recently expressed an interest in trying the tandem with me. So we set up an appointment for early Monday morning, just after sunrise.

I asked Hank if he wanted to join us. He decided to pass, then a few minutes later, changed his mind. To my surprise, it was Jason who pulled his bike out of Hank’s truck. Apparently the two of them agreed that it would be best if Hank rode with me and Jason followed.

Now Hank is 68 and has not been on a bicycle since his honeymoon, 45 years ago. Let that sink in a while. In fact, that was even before Rappers Delight was released.

I’ve been talking bike fit and general aspects of cycling to these guys for some time before this meeting, but gave Hank a quick briefing before our ride. Since it’s been such a long time off the bike, I thought it would be prudent for Hank to take the tandem around the block without me. He returned and it came down to me having faith in what I’ve said about anyone being able to pilot a tandem with an experienced stoker. We both took a deep breath and shoved off.

I already had Hank near the proper saddle height and discussed basic technique for getting started. His saddle was on the low side, but probably higher than he had ever had in his life. I also did not mind that Hank was a little closer to the ground, in case he wanted to put a foot down from the saddle.

Within a few yards of our driveway, all three of us were encouraged. Jason was taking video clips and sharing them on Clapper. We rounded the corner onto 12th Street and were on our way to the bike trail, about two miles from our place. I explained how were taking a less direct way there to stay on quieter roads.

We entered the trail at Rotary Park and Hank was captured by the beauty of it all. It was his first time on his local trail. As we rode, I gave him bite sized nuggets of information about riding technique, gear selection, and other points to help make his experience worthy of returning for another ride. We were on the cruiser tandem that I set up for my wife , along with others like Hank. It is more upright and more forgiving to less skilled riders.

We were taking it mile by mile, being careful to observe how Hank was feeling. We decided to go for the overpass at SR 442 and take a break at Cow Creek. Leading up to the bridge, Hank geared down to a comfortable gear and we climbed straight up to the top. We took a few moments to enjoy the view and began our descent. Hank enjoyed the speed and cooling from the wind in his face. We arrived at the turn-around and took another break. After fifteen minutes or so, we went back over the bridge and were on our way home. I reminded Hank to keep his elbows slightly bent, but after the ride, realized that what I felt was maybe his fine motor muscles not being accustomed to cycling.

I instructed him to lift off the saddle as we hit the lip of our driveway. We put our feet down and celebrated a good ride for Hank.

It all went smoothly and I suspect Hank will be back for another ride. Jason was on his 3-speed cruiser and was ready for a nap. All were fine the next day. We rode about 13 miles, with maybe 75 feet of elevation gain. We averaged around eleven miles per hour.

Jason will be the next contestant up for the bike is right. I thought it might be today, but wanted to ride my trainer, before my long ride with Steve on Friday. It will be my first trainer ride with the additional 12-pound flywheel, since the move to Florida, six months ago.

Overall, I am feeling fitter these days from being back in the saddle after almost a year off the bike, finding a home and all the prep for a cross-country move. In 2021, I rode 3000 miles. In ’22, I rode less than 500. I haven’t checked my total for this year, but need to restore the link between my stationary bike and the app that tracks and posts my indoor ride stats.

I hope many of you are gearing up for the new cycling season. Would love to hear how its going for you.

Be blessed,

Ron, near Daytona Beach